Best Products For Migraine
Living with a migraine
Best Products For Migraine
16.3.2024
As someone who struggles with a migraine, you’re all too familiar with the feeling of desperation that overcomes you when an attack strikes. You feel like you’d do anything to get some relief. Seriously, you’d sell your soul if it meant you could get rid of this debilitating pain.
Of course, you hope that your medication will do it's job, but unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
What else can you do when no amount of bargaining and pleading is going to kick that migraine attack to the curb?
There are a ton of home remedies and alternative treatments out there that you can try. But, there are some other things you should have stocked and on hand in your migraine essentials when those just aren’t working.
Stock up now, and prepare to show your next migraine who’s boss.
Hot and cold compresses
Many people with migraine swear by applying different variations of heat and cold to their bodies particularly at the base of the neck and the temples, so you’ll want to have some hot and cold compresses ready to go.
“I find it helpful to have the disposable ice packs that you pop to activate, to keep next to your bed so you don't have to go to the freezer in the middle of the night,” says Dr. Sara Crystal, neurologist and Cove Medical Director.
Hot and cold gel migraine masks are another easy option.
Whether you go the hot or cold route or both, make sure to use them in moderation. The National Headache Foundation recommends leaving cold packs on for only 15 minutes at a time, and taking a 15-minute break before reapplying. And, make sure you don’t fall asleep with that heating pad—no matter how good it feels.
Eye mask
If you’re somebody who experiences photophobia or photosensitivity (those are fancy terms for extreme sensitivity to light) when you’re saddled with a migraine attack, an eye mask can be a lifesaver.
When even the light from your phone seems blinding, having an eye mask ensures total darkness so you can hopefully get some rest and relief.
Migraine glasses
Since you can't take your blackout curtains everywhere (unfortunately), some kind of glasses are an essential part of every migraine toolkit. Migraine glasses, for instance, filter out blue, amber, and red light, all of which can trigger light sensitivity, while allowing through the green wavelengths that don't cause head pain.
Independent studies have been conducted to show bluelight glasses can effectively manage light sensitivity, including light-triggered pain and light intolerance, during a migraine attack.
Any dark polarized sunglasses will work in a pinch, but if you want to manage light sensitivity without the darkness and color distortion of wearing sunglasses all the time, glasses designed specifically for migraine can help.
The Mayo Clinic says that drinking plenty of fluids (particularly water) can help ease some of your migraine pain. Make sure that you have a large water bottle that you can keep right next to you.
It’ll help you stay hydrated, without having to get up to refill a glass every few minutes. Cove Medical Advisor and neurologist Dr. Alexander Mauskop says you could also look into an infuser water bottle so that you can add some fresh ginger or mint leaves.
You can boost the migraine-fighting power of your drink by adding an electrolyte or vitamin-based mix.
